As widely speculated, Microsoft has launched an upgraded version of its Surface Pro 4 tablet. Called ‘Surface Pro’ tablet, the new laptop-tablet hybrid looks quite similar to its predecessor and comes with a slight upgrade on specifications front. The device is already up for pre-orders in select countries and is likely to rollout to more countries in the coming months. Here’s how the new Microsoft Surface Pro compares to its predecessor Microsoft Surface Pro 4
Display
The new Microsoft Surface Pro sports a 12.3-inch screen with new Pixel Sense display technology and 2736 x 1824 resolution. The content is shown in 3:2 aspect ratio. According to Microsoft, the device can support dual-4K monitors using the Surface Dock accessory. The Microsoft Surface Pro 4 on the other hand has the same screen size, resolution and the aspect ratio but an older Pixel Sense display technology.
Processor
Processor is probably the only department where a major change is seen. The new Microsoft Surface Pro is now powered by the Intel 7th generation ‘Kaby Lake’ processors – m3, i5 or i7. The Surface Pro 4 came with a generation older Intel ‘Sky Lake’ processors – m3, i5 or i7. The Core m3 version is the cheapest while the Core i7 variant is the priciest.
RAM
Although the processor department has seen an upgrade in the new Surface Pro, the RAM options stay the same. Like the Surface Pro 4, the Surface Pro comes can be configured in three RAM options – 4GB, 8GB and 16GB.
Graphics
Understandably, since the processor has been upgraded, the GPU integrated in it has also seen a bump. The 7th-gen Core m3, i5 and i7 processors in the Surface Pro come with Intel HD Graphics 615, HD Graphics 620 and the Intel Iris Plus Graphics 640 respectively. The 6th-gen Core m3, i5 and i7 processors in the Surface Pro 4 come with HD graphics 515, HD Graphics 520 and the Intel Iris graphics.
Storage
The inbuilt SSD storage options in both the Microsoft Surface Pro and the Surface Pro 4 are the same. They come in 128GB, 256GB, 512GB and 1TB storage options.
Battery
Besides the display, processor and graphics, the battery too has been improved in the Surface Pro. The 2-in-1 laptop is claimed to deliver video playback for up to 13.5 hours (tested in Intel Core i5, 256GB, 8GB RAM device under controlled environments). The Surface Pro 4 is said to come with up to 9 hours of video playback time (on 6th-gen Intel Core i5, 256GB, 8GB RAM device).
Accessories
Microsoft also introduced a new Surface Pen, which the company claims can detect 4096-plus pressure points with 21ms latency. The new Surface Pen also comes in four new colours – Platinum, Black, Burgundy and Cobalt Blue. The Surface Pen with the Surface Pro 4 was able to detect 1024 pressure points and without any colour options. The new laptop also comes with a detachable Signature Type Cover keyboard that flaunts Alcantara material coating and comes in three colours – Burgundy, Cobalt Blue and Platinum. The Type Cover of Surface Pro 4 come in more colour variants but was not a n improvement over current Accessories.
